Corduroy update!

Please see a new post from Feb. 2018 HERE

I am a huge fan of Corduroy by Don Freeman and love to use the story in my classroom.  Retell is such a huge part of grade one so I have added a story retell rope to my Corduroy unit. 

The good news - if you already own it you can redownload the unit over at TPT for free.

Students will use the retell rope to tell about the setting, characters, problem, beginning, middle, end and solution.  I included color and black and white piece in addition to a smaller students size version and an anchor chart.

These activities coordinate with my Spin (or Roll), Tally and Graph math work station.

Would you like a chance to win both of these products?  Two winners will each win BOTH!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Don't forget I have some Corduroy freebies available too!  Just click on the pages below to download :)

I hope you're enjoying the long weekend!  I know I am !!!!!
Need a copy of the book? Find it on Amazon ...

Popcorn Fun Digraph Sorting Station

I mentioned last week that one of my goals this year was to work hard on getting my students to understand digraphs early in the year.  To help I created another literacy station to give students more practice.

Students will be sorting pictures into four initial digraph sounds (ch, sh, th and wh).  I made the picture cards large enough that they could be used for small group or whole class instruction in addition to a center activity.  Each page (other than the assessment / activity page) is in both color and black and white.

I have just listed this word work activity at my TPT store but as always the first 2 people who comment on this post will get a copy emailed to them.

Happy Sunday!

'Glowing' back to school freebie

NOTE: This FREE product has been updated to include an editable version.  You can read more about it HERE.


My firsties are always glowing with excitement (and energy) on the first day of school so I've made them these cute glow stick gifts.

I included 2 glow stick bracelets that I picked up at our local dollar store and voila!  My camera didn't know what to do with these glowing bracelets :)

I've made mine for first grade but also included pre-K, kindergarten (did you know I taught kindergarten for 13 years?), second,third and fifth grade.

You can download these for free by clicking HERE.  If you use them I'd love to know.  Your feedback is what encourages me to create!

Happy Back to School!!

Great Find ...

I've been spending lots of time at the mall lately trying to outfit my 13 year old daughter for school ... my son was so much easier ;)  I used to love shopping.

Anyway, I just had to take a peek in the bookstore to see what was new and came across this great book:

"The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt.  How have I not seen this before?  It's too great to simply read and leave, so I'll be doing some planning of what my firsties can do with it.  I'll keep you posted :)

Digraph Sorting Station

Digraphs ... this  year I vow for early mastery by my firsties!! (at least that's my hope!)

I'm planning to create a few word work stations to provide lots of practice and here is the first:

 

I created this for students to work with a partner, but it could also be used independently or with a small group.  Students sort 24 pictures onto four gumball machines that are labeled -ch, - sh, - th and -wh.  I included two activity / assessment pages because I plan to have students differentiate between -ch and -sh and then at another time differentiate between the four.

 

I have included an "I can..." card to help build student independence.  Each page is included in both color and black and white. 

 

You can find this activity at my TPT store.  As usual, I'll send a copy to the first 2 followers who comment on this post with their email.

Fall Tree Mystery Picture

My husband thought it would be funny to bring in a couple of fall colored leaves when he was mowing on the weekend.  I'm hoping they were left over from last year, because it is WAY TO EARLY for that!!

But it did get me thinking about fall so I made a new mystery picture of non-other than a ... fall tree!

As with my other pictures, students need to solve the tens and ones to find the number  before they color.  I listed this in my TPT store and also included it in my bundle.

There are currently 20 pictures in the bundle.  If you already own the bundle you'll want to head on over to TPT and re-download for a few reasons.

1. To pick up your copy of the Fall Tree picture (did I mention it is for a 120 chart?)
2. I added a binder cover because you need a place to hold all these puzzles.

3. I updated the "I can..." card that can be used with any of my pictures in a math station.  Sometimes I use them as a whole class activity, but other times I put them in a station and this comes in handy.

I feel so organized today after doing up my binder!!!  YAY!!!!!

Would you like a copy of the Fall Tree Mystery Picture?  I'll send a copy to the first 2 people who comment on this post with their email!

Mystery Reader Complete Classroom Kit

I have been doing a Mystery Reader program in my classroom for four years now, but I admit as great as it was it was quite unorganized.  One of my summer goals was to develop a pack that I could use from start up to finish and I'm done!!!

I've got it printed, laminated, organized and posted at my TPT store to share with you.
The graphics in this packet are from Graphics From the Pond.  The bright detective clip art was just what I was looking for!

 

 

I've included: bulletin board printables, notes and reminders to send home, a class book to record Mystery Reader memories, a sign up book, calendar and agenda cards, a door sign and thank you notes.

There's also a page that explains a bit about each section:

That should cover you for an entire year!

If you haven't included Mystery Readers in your classroom before, now is the time!  What better way to include volunteers in your classroom.  Mystery readers can be parents, grandparents, older siblings, the school custodian, even the school principal.  Just use your imagination!!  Students will be thrilled!

As usual, I'd love to give away 2 copies of this pack.  Later tonight I'll choose 2 followers who leave a comment on this post to receive a copy.  The people who left comment #4 and #14 will be getting an email soon!

Mystery Reader Door Sign

Do you have Mystery Readers visit you classroom?  I have for the past few years and it is always a hit.  Mystery Readers can be parents, grandparents, siblings, the school custodian, administration... just about anyone!

One problem I've had though is when the reader arrives when we're in the middle of something and not quite settled enough for a guest reader.  To solve this problem I made a sign to hang on my closed classroom door.  It lets your visitor know that they should knock loudly then be patient for just a minute.

Aren't these the cutest graphics?  They are from my friend Mel at Graphics From the Pond.

You can download a copy for free by clicking on the picture.  The colored version is adorable but the black and white one would be great on colored paper :)

COMING SOON: Just listed: My complete Mystery Reader packet!

Since I'm still on summer vacation (yay!) here's a picture of the sign on a door in my house.

 

I have linked this freebie up with Manic Monday freebies.  Click on the picture below to find lots more treasures :)

 

Happy Monday!!

 

Missing Addends Detectives Update

I seem to be on an updating roll :)  Just listed at my TPT store is an update to my Missing Addends Detectives activity.

 

I've updated the graphics, fonts and added a black and white option.

 

This activity has students matching number sentences to the missing addend.  An "I can..." card is included to increase student independence and a recording sheet.

 

If you already own a copy head on over to your TPT purchases and re-download.  You can find it HERE if you would like to look a little closer.

 

As always I'll send a copy you the first 2 followers who do not already have a copy who comment on this post.  Don't forget your email :)

 

PB & J Compound Words Makeover

One of my favorite (and best-selling) products at my TPT store is my Compound Words activity, but it was in need of a little makeover.  I kept the same clip art because not only is it adorable but the peanut butter and jam theme is part of what makes this so perfect.

I'm so happy with the outcome ...

In the update I added another recording sheet to allow you to differentiate a little more, an "I can..." card to go with each sheet, changed the font and made it a little more 'printer friendly'.  I don't know about you but I go through ink almost as fast as I go through laminate :)

Students match peanut card to jam cards to make a compound word.  I made the cards large enough that you could use them in a pocket chart as a whole class activity, yet still small enough to use as either an independent or small group word work activity.

If you already own this product simply head on over to your TPT purchases and re-download for free.  If you'd like to take a closer peek you can find it HERE.

As always, I'll send a copy to the first 2 friends who comment on this post.

Happy Saturday!!!

Another product makeover!

I was so thrilled with my last product makeover that I just had to do another.  Once again, I got that feeling like I cleaned out a closet.

If you have a copy of my One More, One Less, Ten More, Ten Less math station then you're in luck.  You just need to head over to your TPT purchases and redownload. 

Here's a peek at what you'll find:

I've updated the graphics, changed the font and added a black and white option.  Not to shabby if I do say so myself!

In this activity students choose a number card and record it on the recording sheet.  Using the included hundred's chart they find the numbers that are one more, one less, ten more and ten less and record those.  Sounds easy right?  For some students it is, but just in case I have included a mini-anchor chart to help them along.

If you do not have a copy but would like one you can find it at my TPT store.  As always. I'll send a copy to the first 2 followers who comment on this post.  Don't forget your email!

Before you go!!!!!!!!!

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is the last day to enter the Back to School Extravaganza at The Teaching Tribune.  We have saved the best for last.  A Nexus Tablet!!!!!!!  Click on the picture below t o head on over.  The contest closes at midnight tonight!  Good luck!!

http://www.theteachingtribune.com/